Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Oak Hill Campground, and Trails

The dam that formed Lake Vesuvius was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp on land that had been striped of iron ore, limestone, and lumber to fuel the iron furnaces located in what is now Wayne National Forest. The furnaces operated from 1833 until the early 1900s. One furnace was saved and is located near the lake. 

Two accessible trails are also located near the lake - Vesuvius Boardwalk, and  Rock House Trail. The boardwalk trail is 1/3 mile and follows the shoreline to the dam. After crossing the dam the trail continues as a set of stairs that lead down to a picnic area and the furnace. The Rock House Trail is accessible to a huge overhanging rock. The trail continues with steep sections and steps and is not accessible. The Rock House formation is amazing!

There are three campgrounds in the forest surrounding the lakes - Pine Knob Loop, Oak Hill, and Iron Ridge. Pine Knob Loop and Oak Hill are managed as one because they are just a short distance apart. We stayed at Oak Hill in site 8 which is very long pull through. Normally we would not has camped in such a long site but many of the other sites in Oak Hill are sloped and this one gave us the best chance of getting level. The sites in Pine Knob are mostly level. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, showers, electric and water hookups, and a dump station. All of the sites are designated as accessible which doesn't mean much. All the parking pads are paved but few of the tables have an extended top and the fire rings are low.

Parking for the furnace is across Route 29 at the picnic area. There isn't an accessible path to the furnace but it can be viewed from the parking lot. The two trails can be accessed from the boat dock parking lot which is large enough for any RV. Campground  38.61427, -82.63381